LyondellBasell adds new production at Knapsack creating world’s largest polypropylene compounding facility
ROTTERDAM and HOUSTON - LyondellBasell today announced its Knapsack, Germany site is now the world’s largest polypropylene compounding facility. The manufacturing site earned the new title with the startup of its fifth production line. The new total annual production capacity for the site is more than 200 kilotons (kt) per year, with the added line capacity of 25 kt per year.
This is the latest in a series of debottlenecking projects in LyondellBasell’s polypropylene compounding plants in Europe to support growing demand.
“Our polypropylene materials are helping to increase fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions by aiding in the light weighting of automobiles,” said Frank Noeltgen, Senior Director APS Business Europe. “The development of electric vehicles where components are needed for battery packs and under-the-hood applications is expected to support this trend.”
LyondellBasell remains a leader in supplying lightweight polymers to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 customers, or visually appealing and durable materials for automotive and electrical appliance applications.
The new product is already getting the attention of OEMs due to its lightweight benefits that will help manufacturers meet the European Commission’s requirements by significantly reduce their CO2 emissions for future vehicle models. Products also provide a high-quality finish, scratch performance, and high ultraviolet resistance. For example, Audi’s new Q5 model uses LyondellBasell’s Hifax product series for a spoiler component in its front bumper.
The expansion of the Knapsack plant is the latest in a series of debottlenecking projects in LyondellBasell’s polypropylene compounding plants in Europe, which supports growing demand. The facility is an important addition to LyondellBasell’s Advanced Polymer Solutions (APS) global business including Milton Keynes and Warrington, UK; Kerpen and Bayreuth, Germany; Dungguan, China; San Luis Potosi, Mexico; Tarragona, Spain; Senai Malaysia; Sumare, Brazil; and Evansville, Indiana in the United States.
Approximately 160 LyondellBasell employees are working in Knapsack. With the expansion of the new production line, another 12 jobs were added.
Categories
Investments
Countries
Companies
Latest news
INEOS Invests £30 Million to Slash Emissions at Hull Site by 75%
Saltend Chemicals Park →INEOS has completed a major £30 million investment at its Hull manufacturing site. The project has resulted in a 75% cut in carbon emissions. David Brooks, CEO INEOS Acetyls, comments "We’ve put £3...
Evonik uses Green Electricity for POLYVEST® Production in Marl
Marl Chemical Park →Since July 1, 2025, Evonik’s Coating & Adhesive Resins business line has been using green electricity for its polybutadiene production in Marl, Germany.
HARKE GROUP has taken over the Swedish Vendico Group
Vendico Group represents several dozen leading strong manufacturers of chemical raw materials in the Personal Care, Home Care and I&I sectors as well as other applications.
ORLEN launches sales of new aviation fuel: SAF now available at Polish airports
The introduction of SAF at Warsaw Chopin Airport is a major milestone in the aviation sector’s transition toward climate neutrality. Our priority is to establish the conditions necessary for carrie...